Graham Poll: Referee Was Right to Punish Liverpool Star

Mar 27, 2012 02:34 PM EDT

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll believes Lee Mason was correct to disallow Luis Suarez's goal for handball, as Wigan beat Liverpool at Anfield.

The Latics gave their survival hopes a significant boost with a well-deserved 2-1 win on Saturday, as Kenny Dalglish's side suffered their fifth defeat in six Premier League games.

Suarez thought he had given Liverpool the lead when he put the ball in the back of the net in the 53rd minute. However, referee Mason disallowed the goal after he ruled the Uruguayan handled the ball over the line.

The Liverpool striker was booked for the offence and replays confirmed Mason's decision was correct. A late winner from Wigan captain Gary Caldwell eased the club's relegation fears and Poll has praised Mason's handling of the situation in a difficult weekend for referees.

"Planes landing safely, trains pulling in on time and motorways being clear of traffic don't make the news; nor do referees getting decisions correct," Poll told the Daily Mail. ["But] Lee Mason was in top form at Anfield awarding a penalty to Wigan and disallowing Suarez's 'goal'. 

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